Toll booth violence: two policemen suspended

Circle Inspector Mistri, Head Constable Shesappa suspended after an accused escapes

A Circle Police Inspector and Head Constable have been suspended after a person accused of vandalising the tollgate at Brahmarakootlu escaped.

Police officials said Bantwal Police Circle Inspector Rajashekhar Mistri and Bantwal Town Head Constable Shesappa, who was on duty at the time of the escape, have been suspended. The order, issued by the interim Inspector General of Police (Western Ranges) R. Hitendra, was given in writing on Tuesday, said police officials.

After the toll gate was attacked on April 26, police arrested Mohammed Shamir. He was then sent to a private hospital in the city. Though policemen were duty at the hospital, the accused escaped on April 28, said the police.

A high-level official said the suspension of Mr. Mistri also follows accusations of a slow response during the violence at Kalladka on April 10.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Oscar Fernandes, in a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 18, asked him to ensure that all toll plazas under the NHAI in the State were provided with police security to prevent any violence and vandalism.

One arrest

Bantwal Town Police arrested Aboobakker, an autorickshaw, accused of taking part in the violence at the toll booth. Police said he was arrested from Madikeri, where he had fled after the incident.

Though nearly 25 persons have been named in the case, Mr. Aboobakker remains the only one in custody so far, said the police.